Package forming machine



April 6, 1965 R. H. GANZ 3,

PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1962 13 Sheets-Sheet 1 F I my, r

III

INVENTOR Eosexz'r H .GRMZ

BY (2 /;;:M M, M ATTORNEYS April 6, 1965 R. H. GANZ PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE l3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 31, 1962 INVENTOR EOBEIZT H GANZ %:Z Z 91% a W I V {I ATTORNEYS April 6, 1965 R. H. GANZ 3,176,442

PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1962 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR EQBEIZT H G Auz' April 6, 65 R. H. GANZ 3,176,442

PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1962 13 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR EOBEET H GAMZ ATTORNEYS April 6, 1955 R. H. GANZ 3,176,442

PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1962 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Eoaaz-r HGAuz BY M, m,

April 6, 1965 R. H. GANZ 3,176,442

PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1962 13 Sheets-Sheet 7 I I 6 ill.

177 V I M INVENTOR zzzzzi W 89 E 52T H A i M, If V 4 M, {ATTORNEYS April 6, 1965 R. H. GANZ 3,176,442

PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1962. 1S Sheets-Sheet 9 H5 HS 2 H4 0 IIQb ll I20 0 0 mi N |||||r||||m F i i "2 ll! H4 I27 I26 I27 \25 I33 ROBERT l-LGAHZ ATTORNEYS April 1965 R. H. GANZ 3, 76,442

PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1962 15 Sheets-Sheet l0 IF1GJ9 April 6, 1965 Filed.May 31, 1962 R. H. GANZ 3,176,442

PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE l3 Sheets-Sheet 11 (D 9 m m m Q Q: Q

N N u 5 a: In as i3 a m 2 a 5 E a m P4 m m "K- V Q T V mi; Q Q v BY Q C 4fldm, ATTORNEYS A rifs 1965 R. H. GANZ 3,176,442

PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1962 13 Sheets-Sheet 12 a INVENTOR EQBEET H GAMZ ATTORNEYS April 6, 1965 R. H. GANZ 3,176,442

PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE Filed May 31, 1962 13 Sheets-Sheet 15 IFn'mBI Eosalzr H. GANZ 3,176,442 I PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE Robert H. Ganz, Bergenfield, N .J., assignor to Continental Can Company, Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed May 31, 1962, Ser. No. 198,974 27 Claims. (Cl. 53-48) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in machines for forming packages, and more particularly relates to a machine for combining a plurality of members into a package utilizing a package forming member.

In accordance with the spirit of this invention, it is proposed to supply members in a single line, then to separate the members into individual groups, after which a blank is applied to each group of the members and the blank is interlocked with the members and then folded in a manner so as to retain the interlock with the members so that the blank, when folded, combines with the members to form a unitary package.

In accordance with the foregoing basic concept of the invention, it is an object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus which willautomatically supply a blank to a group of members disposed in a single row with the blank being aligned with the members while the members constantly move, after which a central portion of the blank is forced down over the upper end of the members and interlocked therewith to complete a first step in the securing together of the members to form a unitary package which may be readily handled and from which the members may be easily removed.

a This invention particularly relates to a package which is formed of a plunality of cans or other containers having peripheral projections at the upper ends thereof, and which containers are connected together in a package by means of a generally trough-shaped member, the troughshaped member being foldable from a fiat blank which has notches in central portions thereof corresponding to the spacing of the containers and which notches receive the peripheral projections of the containers to form an interlock therewith, the machine including blank folding blades which are automatically moved downwardly alongside the containers to force the central portion of a blank into interlocked engagement with the containers, the folding blades being mounted for movement with the containers during the engagement of the folding blades with the blank so that the proper seating and interlocking of the blank With respect to the containers is assured by the folding blades.

Another object of this invention is to provide a package forming machine into which cans and similar containers are continuously fed, the machine being provided with conveyor means for moving the cans in predetermined groups which are slightly spaced from one another,

means for automatically supplying blanks to the groups of cans in timed relation to the movement thereof, and

' other means for interlocking the blanks with the cans and then folding the blank to form a complete pack-age forming member which is interlocked with the cans and together therewith forms a package.

Another object of this invention is to provide novel blank folding means which forms a flat blank into two internested troughs and interlocks the free edges of the blank, the folding means including folding blades for first United States Patent 3,176,442 Patented Apr. 6, 1965 folding intermediate portions, of the blank down around the sides of a row of cans, other folding means for progressively folding remote edge portions of the blank into overlapping relation and simultaneously folding projecting locking tabs out of the plane of one of the edge portions and into alignment with slits in the other of the edge portions, and further means for forcing the locking tabs through the slits to assure the interlocking of the edge portions.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel conveyor for receiving a continuous supply of cans disposed in a row and continuously moving such cans in groups of a predetermined number, the conveyor including endless members having can ushers carried thereby, and the can pushers defining the groups of cans which are to be delivered and acting as separators between adjacent groups of cans.

A further object of this invention is to provide novel locking tab folding means for simultaneously folding locking tabs disposed along the edge of an edge portion of a blank into a plane disposed normal to the plane of the edge portion simultaneous with the swinging of the edge portion, whereby as the edge portion is brought down into overlying relation with respect to another edge portion of the blank, the locking tabs are automatically positioned for passage through slits in the other edge portion.

A still further object of this invention is to provide novel means for seating a blank on a plurality of cans disposed in a row and initially interlocking the blank with the peripheral projections at the ends of the cans defined by the seams thereof, the blank folding means including two spaced apart blank supports disposed on opposite sides of the path of movement of the cans, and a pair of blank folding blades movable downwardly alongside the cans and intermediate the cans and the blank support whereby as the folding blades move down alongside the cans, the folding blades will draw a central portion of a blank tight around the cans and in cooperation with the cans and the blank supports will reversely fold intermediate portions of the blank along the sides of the cans.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an automatic and continuously operating machine which will automatically position a blank with respect to a group of cans disposed in a single row, the cans having been automatically'arranged in the group by the machine and then first interlocking the blank the cans, after which the blank is folded into a double nested configuration, with the edge portions thereof interlocked so as to define a package forming member which, together with the cans, defines a readily handled package, the operation of the machine being entirely automatic and continuous and requiring no manual operations whatsoever.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompany drawings:

In the drawings:

FIGURES 1 and 1-A are plan views of the machine, and show the specific arrangements of the components thereof.

FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken along the line 22 of FIGURE 1, and shows further the structural details of a portion of the machine.

FIGURE 2-A is a longitudinal vertical sectional view I andinterlocked therewith.

*ingthe locking tabs of the b1anks.

the folding .3 taken along the line 2-A'- H'A of FIGURE l-A, and

shows'furtherthe details ofthe-remainder of the'maehinem' FIGUREZ-B is a schematic elevational viewshowing the manner in which blanks are supplied to the blank' conveying means of the machine. 7 FIGURE 3 is a schematic perspective view l nsf generally the details of the drive mechanism of the .ff

machine.

1 FIGURE 4 is an enlarged transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 4-;4 of FIGURE 2, and shows' more specifically the details of the .driveof theimachine; Land themanner'ini'which the blanks andthe cans are fed thereby.

- FIGURE s a fragmentary longitudinal main-tea. tional' view taken alongthe line',5- -5;6f FIGURE 1; but,

. tails thereof.

shows .thejeappara'tus. in position as a'blank is-vbein'g; fed

to a group of cans;-

' FIGURE is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal 1 vertical sectional view similar to FIGURE 5 and shows the blank folding apparatus'in a further step beyond that of FIGURE 5,.the view being taken along the lined d of FIGURE 9.

; FIGURE 7-is another longitudinal vertical sectional FIGURE21 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional 'view'takenalong the line.21--21 of FIG- URE l-Aand shows the details of the rollers for folding the edge portionsof'the blank towards overlapped relation. FIGURE 22 is 'a' fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view taken along the line 22 -2'2;of FIGURE-l-A and showsja further folded position" of the uppermost edge portion-of the blank and ,the initial engagement thereof with the locking tab folding blade.-

, 7 FIGURE 23 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional .view taken along the line 23-.-23 of FIG- URE 1,'A and shows a further folded position of theedge view similarto FIGURE 5, and shows a further position fofthe blank foldingblades during the blankfoldingi'oper- ",ation. I I

Fromm; s is ;a 7 alongthe line -8--'8 'of FIGURE 1,;a'ndshows the blank folding blades immediately prior to the 'engagement there-Y;

of with a horizontally-=positioned; blank; a 139 Y 'FIGURE'9'is'atransverse vertical sectionalviewsimilar to FIGURE'S and shows a step in' the blank folding;

.oper-ationafter that shown in FIGURE 8, with vthe blank.

upper portions of the cans being foldedidown around'the FIGURE 9-A is an' enlarged and shows'the' specific drive of the blank folding blades;

FIGURE 112isfan enlarged fragmentary vertical: secof one of the support "arms for the blank folding' blades.

FIGURE 13 is'a fragmentary-enlarged longitudinalverarmsQfFIGURES'." I

FIGURE 14 is an enlargedfragmentary vertical 'sec tional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIGURE 5 1-A' blades for rein. 1

and shows thespecific details of folding FIGURE *"15 is an enlarged fragmentary eleilational view'of'the forward portionof the folding blades of FIG URE l t -and show's 'a blank edge and one of the locking tabs thereof engaged with the' folding blades.

1:6 ils an'enlarged fragmentary plan View f ithe-folding blades and the blankof FIGURE 15, and shows; further the specific relationship of the blank with'respect to the foldingblades. V V g FIGURE 17 is, a plan view similar toFIGURE-16iand shows the blank is anadvanced position with respect to locking tabs having results.

transverse vertical sectionalview taken 1 t fragmentary transverse verticaLseCtional'view showing a-p'ortiongof the apparatus ,of FIGURE 9 and more specifically the manner in 7 which I the blank is VfoIded a'nd engaged w'liththe:c'a'ns.

blades with an initial folding of oneof the tional view takenalong the line 12-'-12*of FIGURE-1;? and.shows the means for limitingtheclockwise swingirig A portionsof the blank, with the'view being taken through one'of the locking tabs of the blank and shows the locking tab in a horizontal position; T 7

URE l-A and showsa further-folded position of the locking tabs toa vertical position 7 FIGURE 25 is anenlarged, fragmentary transverse vertica'l sectional view taken along the line 2 525. of FIG- '1-'A and shows thelocking tab in'its fully. folded i positio n, thelocking'tab being shown in section and with the uppermost be depressed.

edge portionof the blank-ready to Z URE 1-A and shows a locking tab of the blank being passed through an associatedslit in the opposite edge por- V pfltion ofthe blank. FIGUREE10'is-an enlargedfragmentary horizontalsec 7 'tional'viewtaken along'the line'10 10 of-FIGURE 6, a :and show's more specifically the mounting and {arrangement ofthe blank folding blades v 5 FIGURE11 isa schematic fragmentary "tional View takenralong the 'line 11-1-11 of FIGURE 10;.

FIGURE 7 27- is 1 an :enlarged fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view taken along theline-ZI-27 of FIG- URE 26 and shows the initial positioning of -a locking tab T: FIGURES 28 andi29' :arer'other fragmentary-yertical sectional views similar to FIGURE 27 and show further 'steps in the passing of a locking tab through an associated slit to'effect the locking of the locking-tab in place.

FIGURE 30 is-;an enlarged; fragmentary transverse verftical sectional-view taken along the line"30-e-30*of FIG- URE 1-A and shows the manner in which'the locking tab 'is positively foreed through" an associated slit.

FIGURE '31 is a plan View of a blank from which the 3 package forming member is folded.

'package'being generally referred' to"by the numeral 35.

The package 35 includes a package forming member 36 which is utilizedin"eoupling together a plurality of members, such as cans C. In; order tofully understand the ;f-unction of the machine, whichis the subject of this in- 'vention, and the construction of the package forming member 36, reference is 'now made to the blank, generally referred' to by the numeral 37, of FIGURESI. ,The'blank 37 includes a central panel 38 which is defined in part by "C shaped outlines 39 and in part'by interrnpted'fold lines FIGURE -18'isj a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken along the line 18 -18 :of FIGURE 17'and shows :ga'ged by the-folding blades.

40 which .extendbetween the innermost ends of the 'C-sh'aped cut lines 39. "Outer fold lines 41 also extend interruptedly betwen outer portions of the cut lines 39.

The fold I lines '40 and 41," togetherlwith the cut lines 3?, define connecting straps42.

Apairfof fold lines 43' disposed outwardly of the fold [lines 41 set on intermediate panels 44which are con- (FIGURE 1) which guide the blank 37 when carried by the conveyor chains 7 3.

' At the moment a blank 37 becomes aligned with a group of cans C, it is desirable to interlock the blank with the group of cans. This is accomplished by a pair of blank folding blades 96 which form part of an initial blank folding apparatus, generally referred to by the numeral 97. The blank folding apparatus 97 is clearly shown in FIGURES through 13.

I 1112 extending between the two end members 1011", as is best shown in FIGURE 5. Each blank folding blade 96 is pivotally mounted on one of the pins 102 by a bracket .1113 and a bracket 1134. The brackets 104 have upstanding arms 165 which are connected together by a tension spring 106 so as to urge the lower edges of the blank folding blades 96 apart to the positions best shown in FIGURE 8. The outward swinging of the lower edges of the blades 96 is limited by a pair of stop screws 197 which are carried by a transverse bar 1% secured to the end member 101! which is adjacent the fittings 103. The screw stops 107 engage the fitting 103 to restrict the outward swinging movement of the blades 96.

As is best shown in FIGURE 1, the blank folding apparatus 97 is supported from a relatively thick longitudinally extending plate 169 which forms a part of the frame 56. The plate 109 carries for rotation a drive shaft 110 and a pivot shaft 111. A pair of pivot arms 112 suspends from the drive shaft 11%) and has the drive shaft 111) rotating through the upper ends thereof. The lower ends of the pivot arms 112 are connected together by a transverse shaft 113. The pivot shaft 111 has a pair of pivot arms 114 adjustably clamped thereto for pivoting therewith. A transverse shaft 115 extends between and connects together the lower ends of the pivot arms 114. The shaft 113 is driven from the drive shaft 110 by a drive chain 119 and sprockets 119a and 11%.

A bar 116 extends between and is carried by the shafts 113 and 115 intermediate the pairs of pivot arms 112 and 114, as is best shown in FIGURE 10. The bar 116 serves to retain the relative positions of the pivot arms 114 with respect to the pivot arms 112. The bar 116 also carries a stub shaft 117 on which an idler gear 118 is rotatably journaled. A pair of gears 120 and 121 is rigidly secured to the shafts 113 and 115, respectively, and is meshed 'with the idler gear 118 so that when the shaft 113 is rotated in a particular direction at a particular speed, like rotation of the shaft 115 will occur.

A pair of crank arms 122 and 123 is secured to the inner ends of the shafts 113 and 115, respectively. The opposite ends of the crank arms 122 and 123 carry pins 124 and 125 between which a bar 126 is connected for movement. It will be understood that the bar 126 is horizontally disposed at all times, but is moved both vertically I and longitudinally of the machine 55.

The bar 126 has a pair of bolts 127 loosely extending therethrough and the lower ends of the bolts 127 are threaded into the bar 1111. In this manner, the bar 1111 is connected to the bar 126 for movement therewith, although the bar 101 is vertically movable relative to the bar 126. In order to normally hold the bar 101 at a maximum spacing from the bar 126, springs 128 are dis posed intermediate the bars 101 and 126.

Although the pivot arms 112 and 114 are free to pivot,

during a major portion of the operation of the blank folding apparatus 98, the pivot arms 112 and 114 remain stationary. This is brought about by a spring 129 which is anchored at one end to a bracket 13%) carried by the plate 109 and at the opposite end to a pin 131 carried by one of the pivot arms 112. Pivoting of the pivot arms 112 and 114 in a clockwise direction is restricted by a disk .132 which is secured to the drive shaft 110 for rotation, and a cam follower 133. This is best shown in FIGURE 12. The cam follower 133 is carried by an adjustable arm 134 which is adjustably clamped on the shaft 111 for swinging therewith. It is to be understood that the pivot arms 112 and 114 pivot in a counterclockwise direction only when the folding blades 96 move with the blank 37 in a manner to be described in detail hereinafter.

Referring now to FIGURE 13 in particular, it will be seen that the disk 132 has been replaced by a cam 135 having a lobe 136 on which the cam follower 133 rides as the pivot arms 112 and 114 swing in a counterclockwise direction. Although the disk 132 will function, when the folding blades 96 are released from a blank during the blank folding operation, the spring 129 slams the cam follower 133 back into engagement with the disk 132. This slamming action of the spring 129 is eliminated utilizing the cam 135.

Referring once again to FIGURE 8, it will be seen that as the folding blades 96 come down into engagement with a blank 37, the folding blades 96 are spaced apart a considerable distance and are disposed just inwardly of the blank supports 911. It is to be understood that the lower edges of the folding blades 96 will engage the blank 37 generally along the fold lines 43 thereof. After the folding blade 96 engages the blank 37 and continue to move downwardly, the blank 37 folds generally along the fold lines 43 and the central panel 38 thereof is brought to bear against the top of the cans C. Further downward movement of the folding blades 96 results in the inward swinging of the lower edges thereof and with the intermediate panels 44 and 46 on one side of the cans and intermediate panels 44 and 49 on the opposite sides of the cans being generally reversely folded by the downward movement of the folding blades 96 between the cans C and the blank supports 90. As a result, the inner intermediate panels 44 are brought to bear against the sides of the cans C and the seams S thereof, which define peripheral projections, are forced through the openings defined by the C-shaped cuts 39 to interlock the upper ends of the cans C with the central portion of the blank 37. It is to be noted that the connecting straps 42 are diagonally disposed at this time.

It is pointed out that during the initial folding of the blank 37 around the top of a can C, the cans C continue to move. However, movement of the blank 37 is not retarded by the stops 88 in that as soon as the blank 37 starts to pivot about the blank support 99, as is generally shown in FIGURE 9, the leading edge of the blank 37 moves up above the plane of the stops 88 and the blank 37 is free to continue to move with the group of cans to which it is being applied. As is clearly shown in the two views of FIGURES 6 and 7, the folding blades 96 move with the blank 37 during the attachment of the blank 37 to the upper ends of the cans C. Thus, the blank folding operation is brought about without stopping the motion of the blank or the cans to which it is being connected. At this time, it is deemed advisable to disclose the details of the drive means of the machine 55. Accordingly, reference is now made to FIGURES 3 and 4 wherein it will be seen that the drive train of the machine 55 includes a main drive shaft 137 which has opposite end portions thereof extending through and ournaled in bearings 138 carried by longitudinally extending side plates of the machine frame 56. The left end of the drive shaft 137, as viewed in FIGURE 4, is provided with a drive pulley 141 and the right end thereof is provided with a sprocket 142. The pulley 141 is driven by a drive belt 143 which has the lower end thereof entrained over a main drive pulley 144 which is carried by an output shaft 145 of a variable speed drive unit 146 to which an electric motor 147 is connected, as is shown in FIGURE 3.

nected tothe central panel to define a first outer intermediate panel 46. Another fold line 47, which is interrupted by generally O-shaped cut lines 48, combines with the other of the fold line 43 to lines 48 simultaneously define tabs 50 and slits- 5 1,fthe

i g 38 by the connecting straps 42. A fold line 45 combineswith oneof the fold lines'43 with rou'nded end portions 73 adapted to be forced between adjacent cansin a line of cans and to separate the cans of one group 'from the cansof another group. It is to be noted'that the pusher elements'70'are disposed out define a second outer intermediate panel 49. v The cut:

slits 51 being best shown in FIGURE 21, for example.

Theblank 37 outwardly of the fold line 47 is' inthe form of an outer panel 52; a

. The blank 37 ,outwar'dly of the fold line 45 is in the form of a second outer panel 53. The o ute'r panel 53 J has a plurality of locking tabs 54 projecting therefrom,

the locking tabs 54 corresponding in positionstothe cut lines 48 and being adapted to pass through the slits 51 in a manner to be shown hereinafter} Referring now to FIGURES 1. and 2, it

'erally referred to by' the numeral 55. The machine 55 includes a suitable frame, *generally referred to by the I V V will be seen ;that there are illustrated portions-of the machine which 1 is the subject of this invention, the machine being genof phase with the pusher elements 71 and 72 sothat each I can ina-gronp of cans is engaged by'fone of the pusher .ele'me'nts 70, =71 or 72; y a

V 1 Afterthe cans C. have been. separated into" groups of four cans each, it is necessary to position one of the blanks '37 with'respect to each group. of cans. -Reference is according'ly made tdFIGUREZ-fB wherein it is shown that the blanks 37 arestored, in a hopper 74'and are retained thereinby means of spring fingers 75. An arm 76' is mountedbeneath the hopper 75 for pivotal movement and i is provid d ,at the free end thereof withfa suction cup 77 for engaging the lowermostblank' 37in the hopper 74 and for'retractingthe same against the holding power of the spring fingers. 75. 'It is tobe' understood'that the arm 76 v is pivoted in timed relation ,.to the operation of the numeral 56, which supports the various componentsof the F "machine 55. The left end of the frame 56 carries aj'pair of parallel can guides 57 which engage upper portionsof cans C and maintain the cans C ina straight line. i The" cans C are moved. between the guides 57' by means of a?- -pair of endless conveyor chains 58 on ,which the cans C are seated; This is 'bestshown' in FIGURE 2, wherein the cans C are illustrated as being seated on the upper runs" of the endless conveyor chains 58.. It is to be noted that the endless conveyor chain-upper runs are supported inter-I mediate the ends thereof by a transverse plate60; Others Y of these plates'may be provided at spaced intervalsjif desired The right ends of the" conveyor chains 58 are carried byrdrive sprockets 61 which aremounted; on a drive shaft 62 Thei leftends of'the conveyor chains 58 are engaged around suitable idler sprockets 59; Itis to be also understood that'cans. C will be delivered to the machine 55 in a-conventional-manner not described here.

Apair ofspacedapart endless conveyor chains 78 extend'beneath the hopper'74 on opposite sides of the path of the cans C and with the upper runs thereof disposed for receiving a blank 37 from the arm 76 and the suction cup '77 carried thereby f As the arm 76 moves down betweengthe top-runs of the conveyor chains 78, the blank 3'7 carried by the suction cup 77.is pulled'therefrom. The

' 'blanksfl'l v are slid off of the suction cnp77 by means of conveyor chains 58 on a continuous basis so that'a continuous line of cans C, suchas that shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 will be available. I

The first operation of the machine 55 in the forming of ajpackage isQto supply blanks to lthe cans vC and to separate the cans into longitudinally spaced groups, with each groupfof cans including a predetermined number of wherein itwill be seen that a pair of conveyor chains '63 are provided for receiving cans-C from the conveyor chains 58 and for arranging the cansin groups.v In ac.

cordance with the package forming member. 36,"each group of cans should contain. four cans C,

The conveyor chains'fifi include a pair of opposed 'runs' cans. Reference is now made to FIGURES 1 and 1-A, v,

64 which are disposed on opposite sides of the path of movement of the cans C- In defining the opposed runs 64, the chains 63 pass aroundidler sprockets 65 and66 at .passes' to'the run 64 around a drive'sprocket 67*;and then :to the idler sprocket-65.; Prior to passing around the associated drive sprocket 67, each conveyor chain 63.

passes around another drive sprocket 68, the drive sprocket 68 being generally longitudinally aligned with intermediate idler sprocket 69, as is best'shown in FIG-' URE1-A. x 1 One of the conveyor chains 63 is provided with'a plurality of pusher elements 70 which in the illustrated form of the invention are spaced apart two cans. Each of the H pusher elements 70 has a generally triangular outline and opposite ends of the runs 64.. Each conveyor chain: 63., j

8% being disposed in transverse alignment. I At this time, it is to be pointed out that the conveyor *dogs 81 spaced along the conveyorchains 78, the dogs chains are supported at the leftends thereof by means of .drive sprockets 81jwhich are mounted on. a transverse drive shaft 82 f0r rotation. ;The opposite ends of the conveyor. chains 78 are entrained QIOHl'ld idler sprockets 33 which "are carriedby stub shafts 84. Intermediate "portions of the top ru'nsof each: conveyor chain 78 are leaves the conveyor chains 78,;the trailing edge engages a spaced apart guides 87 so as'to advance the blank'37 independently of the motion transmitted thereto by the conveyor chains 78so that the forward edge of each blank 37 comes into engagement with a pair of transversely.

'spac edstops sdintimedrelation to the-movement of a groupjof cans C therebeneath. 'A'transversely extending, curved guiaesa associated with the stops 88 assures the engagement of each blank 37 with thestops 88. Reference; is now made to FIGURE 8 wherein it Will be seenithat' the blank 37 does not drop onto the cans C,

, path of movement of'the cansC;

but is initially supported inoverlying relation with respect to the cans C by a pair of blank supports 90 which extend longitudinally of the. machine'55 onopposite sides of the i Referring once again to FIGURE 8, it will be seen .that lat'the-time the blank 37is deliveredinto'overlying relation' to a group of cans C, the cans-are supported on a horizontal plate 91 which forms a part of the frame 56 30f the-machine. V Suitable supports 92 extend upwardly is contoured so as to fit in between a pair of-immediately adjacent cans and serve to push the cansdisposed in a 1 line. The pusher elements 70.also combinev to,hold"thecans in alignment between 'thechains. The other of theconveyor chainsi63 is provided with alternating pusher 7 elements 71 and 72. The pusher elements 71 are identical with the pusher elements and serve the same purpose; On the other hand, the pusher elements 72 are provided from the plate'91 and-support guides 93 for theinner runs 64 .ofthe conveyor chains63. '{The guides 93 also serve tosupport the blank supports and the stops 88. Itis also to be noted that a pair of upsta'nding guide plates *4are carried by the plate 91 and serve asguides for ;the blank 37 so as .to assure transverse alignment of f the blanks 37 with a group ofcans. The blank guides 94 are disposed in alignment with other blank guides 95 Referring once again to FIGURE 4, it will be seen that the side plates 141) have a horizontal plate 148 extending therebetween. The horizontal plate 148 supjournaled in bearing supports 150 and which are provided at the lower ends thereof with bevel bears 151 which are meshed with and driven by bevel gears 152 carried by th main drive shaft 137.

The sprockets 67 are carried by vertical shafts 153 which are rotatably journaled in bearing supports 154 mounted on the plate 148. Each shaft .153 is provided with a sprocket 155 which is aligned with a sprocket 156 carried by an associated shaft 149. Adjacent ones of the sprockets 155 and 156 are connected together by a chain 157 so that the sprockets 67 are driven from the shafts 1 19.

It is to be noted that a pair of plates 158 extends upwardly from central portions of the plate 148. The

plates 153 are disposed on opposite sides of the path of cans C and extend longitudinally of the machine 55. The plates 158 carry bearings 161? in which the shaft 62 is rotatably journaled. The shaft 62 is driven from the drive shaft 137 by means of a sprocket 161 on the drive .shaft'137 and a sprocket 162 on the shaft 66. A drive chain 163 is entrained over the sprockets 161 and 162. At this time, it is pointed out that in addition to being supported by the conveyor chains 78, the blank 37 being conveyed by the conveyor chains 78 is also supported by a pair of outer supports 164. The supports 164 are carried by the guide plates 95, as is clearly shown in FIGURE 4.

It is to be noted that the blank conveyor chains 78 and the folding apparatus 98 are both driven from the drive sprocket 142 by means of a drive chain 165. A stub shaft 166 is rotatably carried by one of the side plates 141 and is provided on one end thereof with a large diameter sprocket 167 and on the opposite end thereof with a small diameter sprocket 163. The drive shaft 82 is provided with a sprocket 169.

As is best shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, the drive chain 165 passes upwardly from the drive sprocket 142 over an idler'sprocket 170 which is carried by a stub shaft 171 sup- 166. The other end of the shaft 116 is provided with a sprocket 174 which is vertically aligned with the sprocket 16$ carried by the shaft 166. A drive chain 176 is entrained over the sprockets 168 and 174.

At this time, it is pointed out that all of the components of the machine 55 are driven so as to be in timed relation with one another. The proportions shown in FIGURE 3 are generally correct.

Referring now to FIGURE 21 in particular, it will be seen that a pair of folding members 176 and 178 extend generally as continuations of the blank supports 91). As is clearly shown in FIGURE l-A, the folding member 176 has a tapered leading edge 177 while the folding member 178 has a tapered leading edge 13% As the group of cans C, together with the blank 37 interlocked therewith, moves longitudinally along the machine 55, the partially folded intermediate panels 44, 46 and 49 of the blank 37 are folded into reversely folded relation by the folding members 176 and 178 in the manner generally shown in FIGURE 21. The action of the folding members 176 and 17 8 also serves to swing the outer panels 52 and 53 of the blank 37 generally into overlying relation with respect to the central panels 38 and with the panel 52 being disposed inwardly of the panel 53.

The folding member 178 carries a bracket 181 which, in turn, carries a folding wheel 182 which engages the panel 52 and urges the same inwardly into overlying relation with respect to the central panel 38, as is shown in FIGURE 21. The folding member also supports a folding wheel 183 which is disposed lower than the folding wheel 182 and thus effects a greater inward folding of the outer panel 52, as is shown in FIGURE 23.

The folding member 176 carries a support plate 184 which, in turn, carries a plurality of rollers 135. The axes of the rollers 185 slope toward the center of the machine 55, as is clearly shown in FIGURE 1A, and progressively fold the outer panel 53 inwardly into overlying relation to the outer panel 52.

Referring now to FIGURE 20 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a folding blade assembly, generally referred to by the numeral 186. The folding blade assembly 186- includes a flat folding blade 187 and an angular folding blade 188. The flat folding blade 187 has a downwardly and rearwardly sloping upper surface 189 and a downwardly and more severely rearwardly sloping lower forward edge 1%. The blade 187 also includes a lower rear edge 191.

The blade 188 includes a vertical leg 192 and a horizontal leg 193. The vertical leg 192 includes a downwardly and rearwardly sloping forward edge 194 and horizontal lower edge 195. The height of the blade portion 192 decreases from left to right, as viewed in FIGURE 20, so that the horizontal leg 193 slopes downwardly and rearwardly parallel to the upper edge 159 of the blade 187.

The blades 187 and 188 are connected together by a pair of fasteners 196 which pass through the blade 187 and the vertical leg 192, with the blade 187 being spaced from the vertical leg 192 by means of spacers 197 carried by the fasteners 196. The fasteners 196 are threaded into the mounting block 198 which serves to support the folding blade assembly 186 in angular relation to the longitudinal axis of the machine 55 and from the folding member 178, as is best shown in FIGURE 1-A. It is to be noted that the mounting block 198 is slotted so that it may be angularly adjusted.

Referring now to FIGURE 22 in particular, it will be seen that the folding wheels 185 drive the panel 53 of the blank 37 so that it passes between the projecting portions of the folding blades 187 and the folding blade leg 193 with the outer edge of the panel 53 being disposed generally between the folding blade 187 and the folding blade leg 193.

Referring now to FIGURES l5 and 16, it will be seen that a locking tab 54 of the blank 37 first engages a tapered leading edge 260 of the horizontal leg 193 so that the locking tab 54 is guided to the right, as viewed in FIG- URE 22, and positioning of a locking tab 54 extending from between the folding blade 187 and the folding blade leg 193 is assured.

As the locking tab 54 continues to move with respect to the folding blade assembly 186, the folding blade leg 193 moves into overlying relation with respect to the folding blade 187, as is clearly shown in FIGURES 17 and 23, and the locking tab 54 assumes a horizontal posi tion. spect to the folding blade assembly 186 results in the engagement of the locking tab 54 with the sloping leading edge 194 of the vertical leg 192 to effect a downward turning of the locking tab 54 in the manner best shown in FIGURE 18. After the locking tab 54 has been turned downwardly, itassumes the position shown in FIGURE 24 and then is progressively moved downwardly towards the panel 52 of the blank 3'7 due to the downward movement of the horizontal leg 193. At the same time, the lower edge 191 of the folding blade 187 is holding down the panel 52, the panel 52 having been urged downwardly Further movement of the locking tab 54 with re- 3 on the folding 'rn'ember17 8, as is elearlyshown in FIG-' "shown in FIGURE 8.

,the locking tabs 54 are folded'over, thepanel 53 is pro gressively moved downwardly towardsthpaneLSZ in" overlying relation thereto.

As the carton blank beginstofmove out of engage; ment withrthe foldingblade. assembly 186, the panel .53

foot 201 which is centrally located and .which"is pro-. vided with a tapered leading edge 2&2, as is best shown .in FIGURE 2-A, which leading edge 292' generallyoverf laps the folding blade assembly 186.

Referring now .t-o-FIGURE 1-A, it will be seen that the presser foot 2011issupported from a bracket 293' which is mounted on the folding member 176. Suitable spacers 204 space the presser footltl'l from the bracket203.: e

The folding member 178 carries a guide 205'which is angular ,-in cross-section, as is best-shown 'in FIG- URE 26. The guide 205 includes a vertical surface .206 against'which eachlocking tab-54 bears'so as to ,assure the ialignment'of the looking tabs 54 with the by engagement thereof with the leading edge of. the

' .gressively approach thefolding blade assembly 186, theh comes into engagementwiththe underside "of a presser" .blades- 96 to the position shown in FIGURES 9 and 9-A, with the blank 37 being drawn away from the stops 88uand-thereby instantaneouslyreleased. It is to be understood that thereis no stopping of themovement ,of the scans C during the application ofthe blank thereto in themannershown in FIGURE 9-A.

1- As 'th'e partially assembled: blank and the group of cans move along the machine 55, the partially reversely folded lower portions of the blank are completelyQreversely folded by engagement with'the folding members 176 and 178 so that on one side of thecansC, the

.panel44 of the blank i's'eng-agedwith thepanel-46, and on the opposite sides of the cans, the corresponding panel44 is engaged with the panel 49. The outer panels. 52 and 53," which maybe considered flaps, are

monientarily'vertically disposed,=after which. they are toldeddnwardly =t'o overlying relation'with respect to 20 positions generally illustrated-in FIGURE 21 the lock- :ing'tabs 54 of the panel 53am engaged by the fold the .central panel 38 of the blank by means of the folding wheels 182, 183 and 185i 7 After the panels 52 and 53 have been folded to the ing 'blad-e'assembly 186 and-continued folding of the slits 51 formed in the panels '52.. 'As the panel 53 rides under the presser foot201, as is shown in; FIGURE 26 .the looking tabs 54 are urged-down through-the slits 51 in a manner best shown in FIGURES 27,28 and '29.'

with apair of ears 297 which lock behind the panel panels 52 .and53 results, while the locking tabs 54are 'folded relativeto the associated panel 53, asisshown "in'*FIGURE 2 3;' The folding blade assembly 186 eontinues to :fold' the locking tabs 54;and at the same time continue to inwardly 'fold the panels '52 and 53, as is shown in FIGURES24 and 25. 7

It is to be noted that each'locking'tab 54'is' provided 7 I with respect; to the; panel SS and are brought into en- Afterthe lockingitabs 154 have, been completely folded gagement with a guide 205, aslis shown in FIGURE 52 to provide a permanentinterloek between the panels;

52*and 53 when the lockingtabs are firmly seated,-as .is shown in FIGURE 2 9. a

- The final seating of the locking tabs 54 through the panel 52 is assured by a plurality of presser wheels 208.' 7

Each presser wheel 208 has a generally frusto-conical the panel 53 to assure the downward movement of the I -surfaoe:20.9 whichbears against the .uppergsurface of associated lockingtabs 54. Z'Each wheel 8 is-carried:

by a stub iaX-le 210 and thestub axles210 are carried by a mounting bracket 211 which is suitably mounted URES l-A and 30. I

Aft-er the locking tabs 54'have been passed through the panel 52, the formation'of the package is com plete and the cans C are firmly interlocked with the package forming member 36 in a manner whereby the cans can be removed only by-tearing them out of the package forming member 36 and rupturing'the package forming member. The 'completed packages 35 are .thendelivered onto atake-awayconveyor 212 whieh' is mounted at the right end of the machine 55, asis cleatly shown in FIGURES 1'A and 2-A.

Operation In iaceordanee'with the invention, in the. operationof URE 30.

26, the, central, portion of the panel 53 is engaged by seated by the wheels 2618 in the manner'shown in FIG- From the foregoinggit will be. readily apparent that there has been devised amachine'which will'automatically receivea plurality of like elements, such as cans,

separate the cansinto groups'of a predetermined number, apply a blank to the cans, interlock the blank with the cans, and then fold'and lock togetherthe blank to isrequi red. r Although only. a .preferred embodiment of the machine has been illustrated and describedherein, it is to be understood-that minor variationsmay be made there- ;in' without departing from the spirit and scopeo'f the inventiomwas defined inthe appendediclainisiincluding a plurality of members disposed in a row and 1. An apparatus. for forming a package of the type I 7 having one endonly thereof positioned in and interlocked with a packageforming member, saidapparatus compristhe machine-55, 'a plurality of'members to be' packaged 1 are-continuously delivered .to the machine ;55'-'by the conveyor chains 58 so as to continuously supply the rnembers at all times, and' in the supply of the members,

the members r-arein contiguous-relation. 'I 'hese-niem S1 bers which are principally, cans',-are then engaged by the. conveyor. chains 63 andseparated into spaced groups of a predetermined number.. Simultaneous with the feeding of the cans C by the endless chains 6'3 andthe separationthereof into groups,"blanks 37 are delivered into overlying relation to theicans C by means of confspacedstops 88 and simultaneously into overlying relaing-axconveyor for 'movingmembers to be packaged in groups of a predetermined number, blankffeed means for depositing a blank in overlying alignedrelation to each group ofmembers, first fold means for r eversely folding intermediate portions of each blank downalongside, each g roup of members with'a central portion of each blank directly overlying themembers, second foldjmeanstor in- I ing: the interlocking-of edge portions of each blank to comtion with respect to a group of cans C, asis generally. 7

The blank immediately thereplete the packages;

nclud ng a plurality of members each having a peripheral up o ection at one end thereof and with the members being disposed in a row with theone ends positioned in and 2, An apparatus for forminga package. of .the type interlocked with a package forming member which is provided in the form of a blank having a central portion l3 with a row of notches on each side thereof, said apparatus comprising a conveyor for moving members to be packaged in groups of a predetermined number and with the one ends thereof uppermost, blank feed means for depositing a blank in overlying relation to each group of members, first fold means engageable with a blank on opposite sides of the group of members and urging intermediate portions of the blank downwardly around the members and firmly seating the central portion of the blank on the upper ends of the members with the projections of the members being seated in notches of the blank, second fold means for engaging outer portions of a blank and folding the outer portions upwardly and inwardly towards the members to define reversely folded intermediate portions of the blank on each side of the group of members, third fold means for inwardly folding blank edge portions into lapped relation overlying the blank central portion, and means for eifecting the interlocking of edge portions of each blank to complete the packages.

3. An apparatus for forming a package of the type including a plurality of members each having a peripheral projection at one end thereof and with the members being disposed in a row with the one ends positioned in and interlocked with a package forming member which is provided in the form of a blank having a central portion with a row of notches on each side thereof and one edge terminating in locking tabs while the opposite edge portion has tab receiving slits, said apparatus comprising a conveyor for moving members to be packaged in groups of a predetermined number and with the one ends thereof uppermost, blank feed means for depositing a blank in overlying relation to each group of members, firs-t fold means engageable with a blank on opposite sides of the group of members and urging intermediate portions of the blank downwardly around the members and firmly seating the central portion of the blank on the upper ends of the members with the projections of the members being seated in notches of the blank, second fold means for engaging outer portions of a blank and folding the outer portions upwardly and inwardly towards the members to define reversely folded intermediate portions of the blank on each side of the group of members, third folding means for inwardly folding the blank edge portions into lapped relation overlying the blank central portion, and means for effecting the seating of the locking tabs in the tab receiving slits to effect the interlocking of the edge portions of each blank to complete the package.

4. In an apparatus for applying blanks to moving groups of members having annular projections at the upper ends thereof to form packages, and wherein each blank has a central portion with a row of notches along each side thereof, apparatus for seating a blank on each group of members comprising a pair of spaced blank supports, and a pair of blank folding blades, means supporting said blades for vertical movement down alongside the group of members intermediate said blank supports to seat the blank central portion on upper ends of the members and engaging the member projections in the blank notches to interlock the blank and the members while downwardly reversely folding intermediate portions of the blank, and folding members having converging opposed faces engageable by the reversely folded intermediate portion to flatten the intermediate portions against the opposite sides of the members.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said blade support means includes a hanger, means pivotally connecting said blades to opposite sides of said hanger, spring means connected to said blades urging lower edges of said blades apart, and stop means carried by said hanger limiting the swinging apart of said blades.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said blade support means includes a hanger, linkage supporting said hanger, and means for pivoting said linkage to impart 14 both a vertical and a longitudinal movement to said hanger.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said blade sup port means includes a hanger, a bar above said hanger, a pair of rotating links carried by said bar, a pair of pivotally mounted links connected to said rotating links, and drive means connected to said rotating links for effecting the rotation thereof to reciprocate said hanger both vertically and longitudinally.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said blade support means includes a hanger, a bar above said hanger, a pair of rotating links carried by said bar, a pair of pivotally mounted links connected to said rotating links, drive means connected to said rotating links for effecting the rotation thereof to reciprocate said hanger both vertically and longitudinally, spring means restricting swinging of said pivotally mounted links in the direction of member movement, and means limiting movement of said pivotally mounted links by said spring means.

9. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said blade support means inclu es a hanger, a bar above said hanger, a pair of rotating links carried by said bar, a pair of pivotally mounted links connected to said rotating links, drive means connected to said rotating links for effecting the rotation thereof to reciprocate said hanger both vertically and longitudinally, and cam means connected to said pivotally mounted links for controlling the pivoting of said pivotally mounted links in timed relation to the rotation of said rotating links.

10. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said blade support means includes a hanger, a bar above said hanger, a pair of rotating links carried by said bar, a pair of pivotally mounted links connected to said rotating links, drive means connected to said rotating links for effecting the rotation thereof to reciprocate said hanger both vertically and longitudinally, and a resilient take-up connection between said bar and said hanger.

11. In an apparatus for applying blanks to moving groups of members having annular projections at the upper ends thereof to form packages, and wherein each blank has a central portion with a row of notches along each side thereof, apparatus for seating a blank on each group of members comprising a pair of spaced blank supports, and a pair of blank folding blades, means supporting said blades for vertical movement down alongside the group of members intermediate said blank supports to seat the blank central portion on upper ends of the members and engaging the member projections in the blank notches to interlock the blank and the members while downwardly reversely folding intermediate portions of the blank, said blade support means including a hanger, means pivotally connecting said blades to opposite sides of said han er, spring means connected to said blades urging lower edges of said blades apart, and stop means carried by said hanger limiting the swinging apart of said blades.

12. In an apparatus for applying blanks to moving groups of members having annular projections at the upper ends thereof to form packages, and wherein each blank has a central portion with a row of notches along each side thereof, apparatus for seating a blank on each group of members comprising a pair of spaced blank supports, and a pair of blank folding blades, means sup porting said blades for vertical movement down alongside the group of members intermediate said blank supports to seat the blank central portion on upper ends of the members and engaging the member projections in the blank notches to interlock the blank and the members while downwardly reversely folding intermediate portions of the blank, said blade support means including a hanger, a bar above said hanger, a pair of rotating links carried by said bar, a pair of pivotally mounted links connected to said rotating links, and drive means connected to said rotating links for effecting the rotation thereof to reciprocate said hanger both vertically and longitudinally. 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR FORMING A PACKAGE OF THE TYPE INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF MEMBERS DISPOSED IN A ROW AND HAVING ONE END ONLY THEREOF POSITIONED IN AND INTERLOCKED WITH A PACKAGE FORMING MEMBER, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING A CONVEYOR FOR MOVING MEMBERS TO BE PACKAGED IN GROUPS OF A PREDETERMINED NUMBER, BLANK FEED MEANS FOR DEPOSITING A BLANK IN OVERLYING ALIGNED RELATION TO EACH GROUP OF MEMBERS, FIRST FOLD MEANS FOR REVERSELY FOLDING INTERMEDIATE PORTIONS OF EACH BLANK DOWN ALONGSIDE EACH 